Extravaganza boosts student art programs

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

All the money collected from the Holiday Extravaganza is redistributed to the fine arts in Flagler County schools.

Thanks to the Flagler County community, four students were able to attend collegiate music camps this past summer, but all of the work was done while there was a chill in the air and a scent of holiday cheer.

Last year, the Flagler Auditorium launched its Holiday Extravaganza, which provides a series of events at the auditorium, including performances from the high school bands, choruses and dance departments.

Approximately $12,000 was raised during last year’s event, primarily by admission sales, donations and auctions. All of that money was given back to the fine arts departments in Flagler County schools.

Lisa McDevitt, of the Flagler Auditorium, said $5,000 was given directly to Flagler Palm Coast High School’s fine arts department. That was broken down in approximately $1,000 portions, with the band, the dance department, the fine arts departments and the technical program each getting a share.

Additionally, four students were sent to various summer camps — three were sent to Florida State University, and one to Stetson University.

Another $5,000 was given out in scholarships. And this year, McDevitt said, a grant program for the arts in Flagler schools will be started. That will help with various necessities throughout the year for the programs, McDevitt said.

Because of budget cuts, McDevitt said, it’s important that the fine arts departments in the schools system stays alive.

“We have great programs, and we would hate to lose them,” she said. “We’re trying to fill that niche.”

But all of this giving back wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the community stepping up to the plate, McDevitt said.

“We are just glad it’s working out for everybody,” McDevitt said. “I think it’s a really good thing, and we’re very blessed to have a community that supports this endeavor. We enjoy doing it, and it benefits a lot (of people).”

Contact Andrew O’Brien at [email protected].